à Washington, D.C. was the symbol of the Union. It was the epicenter of the Federal government that fueled and directed the country’s war machine. For President Abraham Lincoln, the city was to be defended at all costs; and it was. By 1865, Washington, D.C. was one of the most fortified cities in the world. 68 major forts supported by 93 batteries and bristling with over 900 cannons surrounded the Capitol of the United States. The landscape has altered greatly since 1861 when one obsolete fortification protected the Federal city. War changed Washington forever.

12 – 2 p.m. Lunch on your own

2 – 6 p.m. Sessions Cont.

“Ever the Gray Ghost: Colonel John Singleton Mosby and the Lincoln Conspiracies” - David Goetz

à This is the story of why and how Colonel Mosby and Mosby’s Rangers became involved in the planning to assist in the capture of President Lincoln. We will track the main lines of the money trail that set up the Canada operation, discuss Confederate plans to burn New York and establish the Secret Line in Maryland. We’ll also examine how and why Mosby sent four companies out of his seven to the Northern Neck in December 1864. We will also dissect Mosby’s role in creating an eighth company in April 1865 that was intended to escort a saboteur into Fairfax Co., Va. to be met by a Confederate underground who would insert him into Washington to blow up the White House with Lincoln in it. This failed attempt may have triggered Booth to take care of Lincoln himself.

Thaddeus Stevens: Protector of Lincoln’s Legacy” - Ross Hetrick

à During the Civil War, Lincoln adopted positions, such as freeing the slaves and putting them in the army, that were first championed by congressman Thaddeus Stevens. After the war, Stevens protected the gains of the Civil War against President Andrew Johnson. Stevens expanded on Lincoln’s accomplishments with the adoption of the 14th Amendment and the military control of the South.

“Presidents and Gettysburg with Special Attention to President Kennedy’s 1963 Visit” - Richard Goedkoop

à Focusing on Presidential connections to Gettysburg in the wake of Lincoln’s November 1863 visit and speech with special attention to President Kennedy’s March 31, 1963 visit and tour.

“Lincoln and the Germans: Votes, Political Patronage, and Ethnic Issues in Wartime.”- Dr. Christian Keller

à Lincoln needed German-American votes to ensure victory in both the 1860 and 1864 presidential elections. Winning too few of those votes could have spelled political disaster for the new Republican Party and him. Inextricably linked to those votes were the issues of wartime nativism and ethnic politics, especially the appointment/management of German-American generals and the experiences of German-American regiments.

6 p.m. Gala Dinner followed by featured keynote speaker Dr. Steers

“Abraham Lincoln: American Icon”

- Dr. Edward Steers

à Lincoln’s image is displayed worldwide in sites as diverse as London and Tokyo. His writings and thoughts have been studied by world leaders across the ideological spectrum. Our speaker, a leading Lincoln historian, will review Lincoln’s impact as a political icon in our country and around the world.

Explore some of the most significant Lincoln sites in the city with Joan Chaconas and Dr. Ed Steers.

Sites to visit:

New York Ave. Presbyterian Church where Lincoln worshipped

Ft. McNair Courtroom Museum (assassination conspirators trial)

Anderson Cottage built in the gothic revival style and constructed in 1842-1843. Lincoln lived here for over a quarter of his presidency, making some of his most critical decisions including the Emancipation Proclamation.

View Clara Barton Sites

Fort Stevens, one of the best preserved of the Civil War defenses of the city

Fort DeRussy and more!

Sunday, October 14

Breakfast at Fairfield Inn (avail. 7 – 10 a.m.)

7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Following the tracks of the assassin, John Wilkes Booth bus & walking tour led by Joan Chaconas and Dr. Ed Steers

Bus leaves from Fairfield Inn & Suites

Lunch included at Capt. Billy’s

Dinner on your own

Bus Tour Description:

Follow us as we track the assassin of President Lincoln as he fled South in the Virginia countryside toward his doom at Garrett’s Farm. On April 26, 1865.

Sites to see:

Ford’s Theatre

Surratt House

Dr. Mudd’s House

Historic homes and churches of southern Maryland including site of Garrett’s Farm where Booth was killed

And more!

** Please note: Bus driver compensation included.

Seminar registration fee schedule:

$725 Generals Package (Includes everything from Wed. to Sun.)

$675 Members Complete Weekend (Thurs. to Sun.)

$695 Non-Members Complete Weekend (Thurs. to Sun.)

$95 Wednesday Bus Tour Only—Touring Civil War Frederick

$150 Thursday Bus Tour Only—In the Footsteps of the Presidents

$145 Friday Sessions Only (8:30 a.m.—8 p.m.)

$195 Saturday Bus Tour Only—Mr. Lincoln’s Washington

$275 Sunday Bus Tour Only—Booth Escape Tour

*Early Bird Pricing – Save $30 when you register for a Generals or Complete Weekend Package by May 1, 2018. Use code EARLY30 when registering online.